Dozens of African migrants died in a strike in Saada, Yemen, with the Houthi militia blaming the U.S. for the assault, while American forces have not yet commented. Over the past weeks, U.S. military actions against the Houthis have increased, reportedly causing civilian casualties that both sides dispute.
Dozens Killed in Strikes on Migrant Facility in Yemen
Dozens Killed in Strikes on Migrant Facility in Yemen
A deadly attack on a Houthi-controlled migrant center in Yemen has left numerous casualties, prompting conflicting claims between Houthi officials and the U.S. military.
In the latest incident reported on April 28, 2025, the Houthi militia stated that at least 68 migrants were killed and many others were injured when what they describe as an American strike hit a migrant center in Saada. Aid officials corroborated that around 40 migrants sustained injuries, amid ongoing verification of the attack’s details.
The U.S. military’s silence on the specific claims leaves the narrative open to interpretation. They have recently conducted over 800 strikes in Yemen targeting military operations without acknowledging civilian impacts. The Houthis condemned the strike, terming it a “heinous crime against African migrants.”
Tens of thousands of African migrants attempt the arduous journey to the Gulf States through Yemen each year, with nearly 60,900 having made the trip in 2024 alone, according to the International Organization for Migration. The ongoing conflict has been further complicated by the Houthis targeting Israeli interests and maritime activities in the Red Sea, which they justify as solidarity moves with Palestinians.
President Trump ordered the intensification of military operations against the Houthis to curb their threat, creating a complex backdrop for humanitarian conditions in Yemen, which continues to bear the brunt of regional conflicts and international interventions.
Ismaeel Naar is an international reporter for The Times, covering the Gulf states from Dubai, UAE.
The U.S. military’s silence on the specific claims leaves the narrative open to interpretation. They have recently conducted over 800 strikes in Yemen targeting military operations without acknowledging civilian impacts. The Houthis condemned the strike, terming it a “heinous crime against African migrants.”
Tens of thousands of African migrants attempt the arduous journey to the Gulf States through Yemen each year, with nearly 60,900 having made the trip in 2024 alone, according to the International Organization for Migration. The ongoing conflict has been further complicated by the Houthis targeting Israeli interests and maritime activities in the Red Sea, which they justify as solidarity moves with Palestinians.
President Trump ordered the intensification of military operations against the Houthis to curb their threat, creating a complex backdrop for humanitarian conditions in Yemen, which continues to bear the brunt of regional conflicts and international interventions.
Ismaeel Naar is an international reporter for The Times, covering the Gulf states from Dubai, UAE.
